Teachers in Residence
Alex Louie
Alex is an Expert Teacher in Residence at the Academy, with a focus on secondary English. She began her career at the University High School where she taught VCE English, EAL, Literature, Extended Investigation and classroom music, as well as leading whole school curriculum design. Alex went on to serve as the Assistant Principal at Parkville College (Cherry Creek Youth Justice Precinct), working with young men in custody, where she had a specific focus on curriculum development and trauma informed practice. Prior to joining the Academy, Alex was the Curriculum Manager (VCAA) for the F-10 Capabilities (Critical and Creative Thinking, Ethical Capability, Intercultural Capability and Personal and Social Capability), VCE Classical Studies and VCE Extended Investigation.
Alice Walker
Alice Walker is an Expert Teacher in Residence at the Academy, working within the English and Arts disciplines. She has eighteen years of experience teaching English, Media and Performing Arts in public and independent secondary schools in Victoria and has fulfilled a range of leadership roles, including Head of English, Literacy Capability Builder and Learning Specialist. Alice holds a Bachelor of Creative Arts, a Diploma of Education and is currently completing a Master of Education in Leadership and Learning. She is passionate about engaging teenagers in reading and writing, and in supporting teachers of all disciplines to develop their confidence and abilities as teachers of literacy.
Kiran Money
Kiran is an experienced educational leader with over 15 years in Victorian government schools, including more than a decade in leadership roles focused on curriculum, instructional improvement, and inclusion. She has arrived at the Academy this year as an Expert Teacher in Residence. Prior to this Kiran was an acting assistant principal driving curriculum design, progression, and assessment, strengthening literacy and numeracy instructional practices and student outcomes.
Kiran supports educators to translate research into practice empowering schools to embed inclusive systems that align classroom practice, intervention, and student wellbeing.
Leia Hands
Leia is looking forward to learning with and from others at the Academy, supporting teachers to strengthen their practice through TEP. With experience in both primary and secondary schools, Leia's expertise resides in teaching English, developing curriculum, enhancing pedagogy and building the capability of middle leaders. Working for the Department of Education in regional roles allowed her to begin to develop a system lens for school improvement. She enjoys reading, baking and playing with her two children.
Simone Wallace
Simone is an Expert Teacher in Residence at the Academy, with a focus on Primary English. She has extensive experience as a classroom teacher and leader, including roles as a Learning Specialist, Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader, and facilitator of social and emotional learning professional learning. Simone has designed and delivered professional learning both face-to-face and online, supporting teachers to strengthen evidence-informed teaching and learning, enhance student engagement, and promote wellbeing in schools. She is passionate about learning alongside others, sharing knowledge, and leading collaboratively to make a meaningful impact.
Marlee Zirkler
Marlee is an Expert Teacher in Residence at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, with extensive experience in Humanities education. She previously worked as a Learning Specialist at Northcote High School, where she supported curriculum development and teacher practice.
Marlee has contributed to the Victorian Commercial Teachers Association, designing resource packs for Humanities teachers across Years 7–10. She has also developed and delivered a mentoring program for new Legal Studies teachers and designed professional learning for the Legal Studies stream at the Comview Conference. In addition, she has written Geography curriculum for ACMI.
Marlee specialises in embodied pedagogy, advocating for dynamic, movement-based learning experiences that bring Humanities classrooms to life. She believes that meaningful learning happens when students are “up and about,” actively engaging with ideas through physical, collaborative, and experiential approaches.
